Work Starts on Birthplace Transformation
August 2018
Work starts on £6.1 million transformation of David Livingstone Birthplace in Blantyre Construction work starts on site this week on the much anticipated £6.1 million Birthplace Project to transform David Livingstone Birthplace in Blantyre into a world-class visitor attraction.
Clark Contracts Ltd. has been appointed as the main contractor on the multi-million pound operation to restore and renovate the 11-hectare Station Road site which includes the iconic Shuttle Row mill-workers’ tenement where the legendary explorer and missionary was born and raised.
The Birthplace Project is jointly funded by The National Lottery through The Heritage Lottery Fund (£4.1m), the Scottish Government (£1.3m) and Historic Environment Scotland (£575,000).
The funding will see David Livingstone’s birthplace redeveloped to provide a vibrant new museum, setting Scotland in a global context and celebrating the inspirational story of how a poor millworker became one of the most popular British heroes of the Victorian era and a hero of some Sub Saharan African countries today. The project will include the renewal of the historic buildings, a newly interpreted exhibition which will showcase artefacts from the Trust’s collection of 3000 objects and an upgrade of visitor facilities such as the café and shop.
This map shows the paths and areas that will be available for public access during the building works, that will deliver a brand new David Livingstone Birthplace.
Learn more by downloading our Press Release (PDF) and Current Site Logistics Plan (PDF).
